The Experience of the Maydan RevolutionVolodymyr Lakomov

Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

I remember walking down Kreshatik Street on October 31 at 4:30 am, with a couple friends on each side, talking about the party we had just left. Suddenly, I spotted a group of students across the street, running, trying to escape from something. At first, I didn't think much of the spectacle. A few seconds later, another group was running, but this time towards us. One of the running students stopped and, under his breath, muttered, "Get out. They are beating everybody. The Maydan Revolution is gone." Startled, we didn't know what to think. It shouldn't be something serious. After all, we are in Ukraine! We're one of the most carefree countries in the world, right? Indeed, there were some students protesting against the government, but what harm could they mean? We proceeded with our walk, until we reached the main square. Right in front of us, police battalions marched, patrolling every inch of the street. At this point, I realized that something unnatural had happened: the police had just finished the brutal clearance of the student protest camps.

Two days later, the students reorganized. However, this time, more people appeared. Thousands of residents poured onto the streets, roaring "Revolution!" It seemed that for each...